Online play not working

[RedArmy456]

I created an online account and I am able to log in. I proceed to the server list where I select a game that I want to join. When I press deploy to join the game the game crashes back to the desktop default screen. Help is appreciated.
Thank you

[Serbiak]

Does Bf2 work?

[thepalerider]

When looking for answers please follow these simple steps.

#1 : Read the red stickys First.
New PR problems are rare so most answers can be found here.

#2. Use the search feature on PRs web site or Google it!.
Often the quickest way to find what your looking for when you have an error message.

#3. Please remember to include your basic PC info in your post
You have spent some time trying to help yourself without any luck, so your ready to ask for help:

Please include your basic PC info in your post :
Operating system = XP, Vista, 32/64 bit etc.
systems specks = cpu/speed, ram installed, video card/video ram on card,type of monitor
network setup = cable, 4 port 10/100/1000 d- link gamers lounge/ wired connection.
And a brief history before and after problem started.
Please describe when your CTD or problem hits and
what you have already tried.
The more info you can give the better your chance of getting a quick answer back.
You don't have to write a book,
but your basic PC info is needed to help you.

Good luck
Welcome to PR
"Project reality, it's all about the teamwork."

[RedArmy456]

Battlefield 2 does not work online, however both project reality and battlefield 2 work when playing single player.

[Serbiak]

Do you get an error message?

[RedArmy456]

No it just crashes back to the desktop. No message of any sort.

[maarit]

try to run game windowed mode.then it "maybe" gives some error.

tell how you installed the whole thing and give your system specs?

[Johncro]

Also, if you have Windows 7, run in Windows XP compatibility mode. And as Admin.

[RedArmy456]

I installed all 3 parts of project reality. I got pr mumble however I did not get Punkbuster. it didnt work initially and then I realized I had not updated my bf2 to the most current patch. I did that and Pr worked fine on singleplayer.

System specs:
Microsoft Windows xp (2002)
2.00GB ram
Netgear wireless with strong connection

What other specs are needed?

[thepalerider]

BF2 not updated to v 1.41 before patching with v1.5
FULL update 1.41
Final v1.5
Some have posted Updating with the
1.5 update
Sometimes does not complete, but looks like it does.
To find your version of BF2
run PR in 'windowed' mode
Look at the upper left corner
you should see
v.1.5.3153-802.0

Punk Buster not updated:
Before you go online to join a server
you should:
1. Download pbsvc
2. Start pbsvc installer, you should see options for install, uninstall, test.
3. Run the Uninstaller, then delete the PB folder to remove any leftover files.
4. Restart your computer.
5. reinstall punk buster files with pbsvc( if your using Vista DO NOT set compatibility to XP, run as admin ok)
6. After pcsvc installs, click the "test" option to check the punk buster install you just did.
5. Make sure it comes back "all green"
6.Download pbsetup
(pbsvc DOES NOT install pbsetup.
If your using Vista DO NOT set compatibility to XP, run as admin ok)
7.Create a pbsvc installer shortcut AND pbsetup program shortcut on your desktop.
8.Run pbsetup (from the shortcut on your desktop) add BF2 to the games list, then hit update."

(pbsvc installs the punk buster 'engines' or applications.
PBsetup installs the files/gas the 'engines run)

Check Punkbuster B is set to auto re-start.

Open your Control Panel. Go to Administrative Services. Click

on Services while PR is running. Select Punkbuster B, right click, select properties, select the

recovery tab and make sure they all say "Restart the service" for all three dropdowns. You can do

the same for PB A, but generally speaking, it's the B client that stops responding. Any time you

update PB, you may need to re-do this step.

W7 users = In services ( inside the 'log on' tab) check box which states ?Allow this service to interact with the desktop.

Firewall not set up (open) for BF2 and punk buster
UPDATE YOUR FIREWALL

Make sure your firewall has permission for:

BF2.EXE
PBSETUP.EXE
(search for your location)

PNKBSTRA.EXE
path:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSWOW64\PNKBSTRA.EXE
or (not 100% sure but for 32 bit O/S I think it's)C:\WINDOWS\SYSWOW32\PNKBSTRA.EXE
PnkBstrB.exe
path:
"C:\Users"your user name here"\AppData\Roaming\PnkBstrB.exe"
Don't forget to open for BF2VoipServer as well:
C/Program Files/EA Games/Battlefield 2/BF2VoipServer.exe

[Garack]

^^ lol he dont know what system specs are needed, and you post this..he cant understand it..

[thepalerider]

You can lead someone to the well of knowledge, but
the rest is up to them.

[RedArmy456]

I installed punkbuster and my bf2 is patched up to the most current patch. Online play still crashes.

[Serbiak]

Well... just start over and follow thepaleriders' instruction. He gave you everything needed.

[thepalerider]

Some other things you can try before you uninstall/reinstall.
Backup your BF2 folder that's inside your documents folder. Once you have a backup delete the original from your documents folder.
Try starting PR from your PR shortcut
a new default folder is created
link to your online account.
If all goes well (CTD gone) all you have to do to get your custom settings back is copy your 'control' file from your backup to the new profile folder.
path:
C:\Users\your user name here\Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles\0002
note: you may not have a 0002 folder so use 0001

Good luck